The closure of Sterlite Copper Unit in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu led country a huge loss of rupees 20 thousand crore following rise in import of copper worth USD 2 billion and export loss of over USD 1.5 billion, according to the CEO of Sterlite Copper.

The company was supplying 250,000 tonne per annum of copper to the domestic market and exporting approximately 160,000 tonne per annum of copper.

This statement come amid National Green Tribunal has rejected its plea of restoring against the state government order of permanently shut down.

The closure order was given in May this year for violating the pollution norms and a massive protest was led by the public following death of one person due to leakage of gas and injuring several local residents.

The apex court has ordered the company to pay compensation of Rs.100 crore for polluting environment.

Sterlite Copper is a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited which is a cluster of metals and mining. This unit is situated in Thoothukudi (former Tuticorin) in Tamilnadu.

It is a copper smelter plant which also included a refinery, a Phosphoric acid Plant and a Sulphuric acid Plant.

National Green Tribunal- The National Green Tribunal has been established by an act of Parliament in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters concerned. The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.